Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is out after successful wrist surgery. The Penguins expect him to miss at least six weeks, including the start of the regular season.
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby underwent a successful wrist procedure today.
Crosby will miss the start of training camp and is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks.
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— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 8, 2021
Sidney Crosby Out For At Least Six Weeks
The veteran center’s impact cannot be understated for the Penguins. In 55 games last season, he put up 62 points in the form of 24 goals and 38 assists. A Corsi For percentage of 57.2% and a relative Corsi of 10.4, the advanced numbers show what we all can see. In his long, 16 year career with the Penguins, Crosby has racked up many awards, including multiple Conn Smyth’s, Rocket Richard, Ted Lindsey, and Hart trophy wins. In all his time on NHL ice, Crosby has played 1,039 games, scoring 486 times, dishing out 839 assists for 1,325 points. He has yet to have a season where he produces under a point per game average.
How the Penguins Adjust
With Sidney Crosby out, the Penguins will have to look to their other centers to pick up the slack. Evgeni Malkin and Jake Guentzel are the two names that pop out of the roster. Malkin is known as Crosby’s partner in crime and has proven his worth to the team time and time again. Guenztel is proven as well, but less so than Malkin.
However, his impact on the team cannot be understated. Second on the team in both points and goals last season, Guenztel is a dangerous forward. His speed and vision on the ice make him a weapon that when paired with another strong forward, make him an excellent tool on the ice. Guenztel’s ability to both score and pass make him effective at confusing defences and creating golden scoring opportunities. With Crosby sidelined for multiple weeks, players other than him will have to take a leadership role off and on the ice.
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